In a dramatic turn of events, the Cross River State House of Assembly has passed a vote of no confidence in Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem and removed him from office.
Details of the Removal
– Grounds for removal:
– Gross Financial Misconduct
– Incompetence and Wrong Conduct of Plenary Proceedings
– Co-sponsors of the motion: 13 members of the House of Assembly (listed below)
Co-Sponsors of the Motion
1. Hon. Stanley Nsemo – Calabar Municipality
2. Hon. Charles Omang Omang- Bekwarra
3. Hon. Thomas Aruku –Ogoja
4. Hon. Eyo Bassey – Bakassi
5. Hon. Bassey Bassey Effiong – Akpabuyo
6. Hon. Francis Onete Ogban – Biase
7. Hon. Victor Nsa- Calabar South 2
8. Hon. Ovat Agbor- Obubra 1
9. Hon. Pius Ashas Ashakia-Obanliku
10. Hon. Martins Achadu – Yala 2
11. Hon. Effiong Ekarika –Calabar South 1
12. Hon. Egbe Abeng Egbe – Obubra 2
13. Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong- Boki 11
*Grounds for Removal
– Gross Financial Misconduct
– Misappropriation of N48,000,000 meant for NEPA bills
– Misappropriation of N404,683,855.10, representing 2% of all revenue collected by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) monthly
– Misappropriation of N19,437,844 from Local Government deductions and 11 months’ deductions
– Incompetence and Wrong Conduct of Plenary Proceedings
– Unparliamentary way of conducting proceedings
– Appointment of members to move or second motions, rather than allowing interested members to raise their hands
Implications and Next Steps
– The decision has sent shockwaves across the state, with many political analysts closely observing the developments.
– The House of Assembly has vowed to ensure transparency and accountability in its operations.
– The newly appointed Speaker will be expected to uphold these principles.
– The public eagerly awaits the next steps taken by the Cross River State House of Assembly in the wake of this major decision.
About The Author
